Adjustable Vehicle Armrest With Ball-Joint Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest systems in air and space vehicles lack the ability to provide precise and reliable control, are not adaptable to different user sizes, and do not facilitate safe and efficient equipment operation.
Innovation Solution
A support system with adjustable actuators and a rolling element connected by a ball joint allows the armrest to move in multiple axes, mirroring user arm movements, and is lockable in desired positions, ensuring comfortable and precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanism moves the armrest in one or both directions for height adjustment, then the adaptability to different user sizes is improved, but the control precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the armrest to move in multiple directions (up-down, right-left, front-back) along different axes. The actuator-driven mechanism enables continuous position adjustment while maintaining stability at each position, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and control precision by making the system dynamically adjustable yet reliably controllable
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest system is designed with multi-functional adjustment capabilities, allowing it to serve multiple users with different body sizes and accommodate different seat positions. The universal design enables a single system to adapt to various operational scenarios while maintaining precise control through the locking mechanism and actuator system
2Ease of operation
If the armrest is adjusted in wider ranges to accommodate different body sizes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (height adjustment, lateral movement, longitudinal movement) into a single integrated armrest system. The actuator mechanism merges the control of multiple movement axes into one coordinated system, reducing operational complexity while maintaining wide adjustment ranges for different user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest system incorporates self-adjusting features where the actuator automatically positions the armrest to mirror user arm movements. The system provides self-service by detecting user positioning needs and autonomously adjusting to appropriate positions, simplifying operation while managing the complexity through automated control
3Ease of operation
If the armrest follows arm movements to provide continuous support, then the user comfort is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect user arm movements and automatically adjust the armrest position to mirror these movements. The actuator receives feedback about arm position and continuously adjusts the armrest to maintain optimal support, improving comfort while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rolling element as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the armrest cushion. This rolling element simplifies the transmission of movement while reducing direct mechanical complexity, allowing smooth follow-up motion without requiring complex linkage mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced user comfort and control precision by adapting to individual body measurements, preventing arm fatigue and enabling safer, faster equipment operation.
Implementation Method 1
A ball joint provides rotation of the rolling element when it is placed in the cavity on the actuator
Implementation Method 2
Movement of the rolling element in the cavity provides the movement of the rest, which is connected to the rolling element to face the actuator, conjugately with the arm movements of the user
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a body (2) located on the vehicle (V), which provides arm support to a user; at least one control (3) which is triggered by the user to enable the vehicle (V) to maneuver and/or to control the equipment located on the vehicle (V); a rest (4) which is located on the body (2) and provides arm support to the user while using the control (3), wherein a position of the rest (4) can be adjusted by the user; at least one actuator (5) which is located on the body (2) in connection with the rest (4), and allows the position of the rest (4) to be changed.